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Zobel

3.6 (91 reviews)
ModerateEthiopian
Closed • 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

Order Zobel Takeout or Delivery

Zobel Photos

Business Info

ZOBEL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Zobel

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Reviews With Photos

a plate of food on a table
Kim T.

We got their combination plate and all of the items included were delicious! We split this plate between 4 people and there was more than plenty to go around. I appreciate how they gave us extra injera bread. Just taking one star off for the ambiance. The place was a little run down and did not feel very welcoming. Overall good food and would come again

Veggie combo
Huong L.

We stopped here after a fun scavenger hunt event nearby and wasn't disappointed. We ordered the veggie combo and although it was a bit of a wait even though we ordered online, it wasn't too bad. The veggie combo came with 5 different veggie dishes on injera and they gave us 2 more injera bread with it so it was a hefty portion. Each of the veggie dish was unique and flavorful and the injera bread was soft but strong enough to hold the veggies without disintegrating. Price was actually really good for what you get. The dish fed 2 people and it costs $14. Overall, a good place to come and try

Davi G.

I went here before and I was paying $25 but today I got charged $46 for the same meal. Overall the experience was okay. The owner was kinda awkward

27. Zobel Combo

I am giving this such a high review because the pasta was AMAZING!!!! But the other food was definitely cooked in a rush and not cooked over many hours. The injera was quite dry and thin. The atmosphere was awkward as it was completely empty. The service was kind, but the food took forever to come out which really pushed me to think that it was definitely made last minute and not spent cooking and stewing through the day. I will definitely be back for the pasta though. The price was okay but for the small amount of meat in the pasta it was a bit expensive, but so good that I will be back.

a red and white plate of food
Audrey Q.

First time trying Ethiopian food and it was a great experience. The server/bartender was really helpful while we were unsure of what to order. The beef was super flavorful and the portions were generous. The sourness of the injera is not a texture and flavor that will need to grow more on me.

27. Zobel Combo Dish
Harley M.

Zobel is a tiny, unassuming Ethiopian restaurant in first hill. Ive been a couple times on weeknight and the restaurant has been pretty empty. I split the meat combo ($20) with my friend, and it was so so filling. Definitely gives off hole-in-the-wall vibes, but the portions are huge and food is yummy. Come check it out!

Vegetarian platter $13.50
Ruochen W.

This place helped curve the Ethiopia sized craving my friend and I both had. We were greeted and left with a pretty intense incense smell. The place was really homey and simply decorated. We weren't exactly sure who our waiter was, but the service was super accommodating despite the long time my friend and I spent inside past our meal. I'd have to say some of the items on the vegetarian platter is incredible and I'd be thrilled to order a giant bowl of it. The lentils and collared greens are to die for, without a doubt. Other times sat averagely with me. The odd part was the salad, that was strong in a salty sour taste - it would have been preferable if the dress was milder. My friend's lamb dish was good, but in my opinion the meat was tough and the sauce was peppery. All in all, I love etheopian food and this restaurant still enforces that.

Jessica S.

Zobel is in a house converted to a cafe, sitting on a street between homes that are still homes. Parking is on-street but we didn't have trouble finding a spot nearby. Upon entering it struck me as more tavern than Ethiopian restaurant, but it was both; it's just that it had more drinkers than diners when we arrived early evening. Only one other table had people sitting at it though the bar was moderately busy. The most memorable thing about the decor were the odd green chairs that seemed to be based on a child's design, and earned smiles all around when remarked upon. We sat in a booth instead at one of the tables with those chairs. After we ordered, it's a good thing we were into a lively conversation, as it took forever for anything but the beers to come to our table. Another group of diners came in as we were waiting. We'd ordered a variety of vegetarian items, which eventually arrived. They ranged from decent to very good, everyone enjoyed the meal a lot I think, even if we remembered better Ethiopian places around the city. One thing we missed was a dish with potatoes we get elsewhere. The basic method of eating at Ethiopian places -- with your fingers, picking up food with spongy injera flatbread -- quite simply adds to the enjoyment of a meal prepared so that no forks or spoons are required. Slightly fancier places will provide warm damp cloths so your hands are good and clean, but they skip that here, so make sure you arrive with clean hands! And if you happen to get your hands sloppy, wipe 'em on your pants when everyone's done.

I don't know what this is but it was delicious
Artemis P.

I haven't had Ethiopian food in about 10 years and I have no idea why, but I had the most intense craving for Injera this week so I decided to check this place out. There are many Ethiopian restaurants in the city, but I chose this one because I cannot understand a single word that's on the menu on their website so I knew it had to be the real deal. When I called, I asked if they had any dishes that weren't spicy with maybe lamb or beef- I'm assuming the woman who answered the phone didn't speak English well so she just said "Not spicy? Ok 15 minutes" Considering I didn't understand the menu anyway, I figured my accidental mystery order was as good as any and drove to pick up my treat. When I arrived, the restaurant was completely empty with only a man and a woman working who I now assume are the owners. During COVID family owned restaurants are struggling a lot so I really respect their hustle, and assume they're the only ones on staff right now. Even just going to pick up my food, I could tell that it is probably a nice place to hang out when there are other patrons too! As for the food itself- I have absolutely no idea what I ate but it was phenomenal. Even better, the portion size was huge and probably enough to feed two people- it lasted me two days and was only $16! (Note: You know I'm officially a Seattlelite when I say 'only' and '$16' in the same sentence) All in all, Just go in there and order something. Close your eyes and point at the menu. It'll be fine, trust me.

Zobel combo $15.50. Mostly veggies, some meat.

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7 months ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

The lamb was delish! I was in a rush and they had my dinner ready quickly. Great service, I picked up to eat out.

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4 years ago

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9 months ago

Lackluster injera. Perhaps the worst I've has. Zero tang. Just spongy bread. Will mark this as a do not order from here again.

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4 years ago

Even. more flavorful than other Ethiopian restaurants. Best in Seattle. Highly recommended.

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Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant

Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant

(235 reviews)

$$

Central District

Locally owned spot with a charming and homey feel! We ordered the meat combo and veggie combo which…read morecame served on a tangy injera with extra injera on the side. There's three of us and we couldn't finish so we had a decent amount to take as leftovers. The meats were all stewed until tender and all of the other veggie dishes complimented everything so well. There was just one waitress at the time so the vibes are pretty laid back. I didn't feel like they're not trying to rush you at all! I'll definitely be back here!

I ordered the Adey Meat Combo from Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant via UberEats while visiting…read moreSeattle, and wow--I'm so glad I did! The combo came with a beautiful spread of veggies--cabbage, greens, split peas, lentils, and beets--along with the beef wat I selected as my meat. Everything was packed with flavor, perfectly spiced, and the portion size was just right. The presentation was thoughtful even through delivery, which is not always the case with takeout. One of the best parts? They offer gluten-free injera! That made the whole experience even better. The price itself was very fair for the amount of food you get, but like most delivery apps, the UberEats fees made the total much higher than expected. Still, the quality and flavor made it worth it. I'd love to visit Adey in person to get the full experience and ambiance when I'm here again! Since I was in town for work and too tired to go out, I specifically looked for a Black-owned restaurant that delivered, and I'm so happy I found Adey. Delicious food, great portions, and care put into every detail--I'll definitely order again next time I'm in Seattle!

Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo platter

Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant

(126 reviews)

Central District

Good food, good service, the parking situation could be a little better, especially for when it…read moregets busy. I do think the first time I came my portion was a bit small, and the 2nd to 3rd time the injera was cold but other than that flavor is there, I love when they have music playing, and love when all the uncles come out. Makes the atmosphere a lot better. I'll definitely be back for that kitfo!!!

I came on a Sunday and this place was busy. Street parking only and it can be a little difficult…read more The restaurant is pretty big with a whole bar side in the back. The service was a little slow, but again, it was busy and there were only two people taking orders and serving. With this in mind, our food came out relatively fast. The bathroom area was also a little neglected during this busy rush with none of the sinks having paper towels, so I had to use napkins at the table to dry my hands while waiting for our food. I got an Ethiopian beer, the Zagol combo, and the lamb yebeg tibs. Everything was flavorful and paired well with the injera. The portions were pretty generous. Our meal came with 3 side injera on top of the injera plating all the veggies and meat. Between two people, we had leftovers, but a lot of it is a the injera used for plating. I wish the zagol combo had one more meat option in it, but the addition of the lamb dish was perfect. Definitely try the lamb yebeg tips because it was my favorite out of all, and we got it spicy. There's also a meat combo option on the menu as well if more meat is wanted. The beer is light and paired well with the bold flavors of these dishes. Overall I would come back again. A lot of tables had tea and I would like to try that next time.

Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant - BBQ Special, $28.50 - 4.5 Stars

Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant

(217 reviews)

$$

Central District

Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant is an institution having been in the Seattle area for 30+ years. Now…read moreonwards to its second generation in the family, Meskel is now in an area that is dotted by many other Ethiopian restaurants. They remind an OG steward in a building that incidentally looks like a family house with an interior decorated with Ethiopian art. With much competition nearby, Meskel was sadly quiet on the day we went. The proprietor was nonetheless enthusiastic with new customers to her restaurant. Per her recommendation, we ordered their popular items listed at the top of their food menu. Side note: They do not offer a meat combo, unlike many other Ethiopian restaurants. The Food: Their injera (spongy bread) is impeccable with a potent sourdough taste. Despite having had many injera in the past, theirs stood out in this regard and is incredibly flavorful as is. Unfortunately, if one doesn't like sourdough bread, this could be problematic. Each entrée includes a full-size piece of injera. BBQ Special, $28.50 - 4.5 Stars Aromatic berbere-infused steak is slow cooked and paired with peppers and onions. This dish is served in a ceramic warmer with a small piece of charcoal underneath. Hubby said he liked this better than the typical meat combo. Vegetable Combination, $25 - 4 Stars The photo's veggie combo included veggies that are served with the BBQ Special, possibly just the salad, not sure. This combo with eight variants is modest compared to other restaurants both in terms of variants and portions of each. I commonly see ten variants in the veggie combo with bigger portions for each. Looking at older posted photos, the original portions are indeed bigger. I'll chalk it off to inflation. While the flavors of each are good, overall, this combo did not compare as well as others I have had.

Such great service!! The owner does it all, she cooks and serves and even has great conversation…read morewith all her guests. This place is amazing. The food was so delicious and unique to me. Local owned place, go support. This was my first time having Ethiopian food and I loved it. It's served "family style" and portions are large. She gets all her spices shipped to her from family in Ethiopia.

Zobel - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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